The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

The New Year is right around the corner! With the new year comes some sad but exciting changes. Today's episode features Dave Stovall Host of The Disciple Makers Podcast and Josh Howard Director of Vision and Mobilization for Discipleship.org.  In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Dave Stovall bids an emotional farewell while introducing the new host, Josh Howard. Josh, who is the new Director of Vision and Mobilization at Discipleship.org, discusses his role and shares insights on the impact of disciple making both locally and globally. The conversation dives into the importance of creating a disciple-making culture in churches and features personal anecdotes and future visions for the organization. They also touch on the significance of contextualizing the gospel to reach various cultures and the exciting developments expected from Discipleship.org in the coming years. Tune in to hear about the changes coming to the podcast and to get inspired about making disciples. Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Farewell Announcement 00:24 Meet the New Host: Josh Howard 01:00 Vision and Mobilization Explained 02:30 The Importance of Discipleship 03:36 Current State of Discipleship in America 04:19 Icebreaker Questions and New Year's Resolutions 09:27 Josh's Overseas Experience 11:54 Contextualizing the Gospel 15:51 Vision for Discipleship.org 19:05 Podcast Future and Conclusion

Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/    Today’s episode will help us understand the dynamics of church planting, including the challenges, distinctives, and importance of collaboration to ensure successful and sustainable growth in the movement.   Church Planting Masterclass: Insights from Todd Wilson, Patrick Bradley, and Brett Andrews   Join Todd Wilson, Patrick Bradley, Brett Andrews, and various other church leaders in an in-depth discussion on church planting and disciple-making. Drawing from experiences with New Life Christian Church, Passion for Planting, and Exponential, this session explores the importance of fostering a disciple-making culture, theological grounding, and healthy support systems for church planters. Discover valuable insights on overcoming common challenges, the significance of early involvement, and the power of collaborative efforts. With practical advice and real-world examples, this episode is filled with essential tips for effective church reproduction and multiplication. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Marine Background 00:07 Family Military History 00:59 Personal Military Service 01:18 Grandfather's War Stories 03:30 Community and Local Connections 08:31 Church Planting Introduction 10:16 Interactive Session and Introductions 21:33 Challenges in Church Planting 45:32 Paul and Barnabas: Church Planting Pioneers 46:09 The Power of Multiplication in Church Planting 46:45 Preparing for Q&A: Introducing Renew Movement 48:44 The Importance of Theological Grounding 51:31 Disciple Making and Reproduction 56:18 Healthy Support Systems and Accountability 58:44 Collaboration in Church Planting 01:01:07 Encouragement and Next Steps 01:15:02 Interactive Session: Introductions and Discussions 01:25:55 Introduction to Patrick Bradley and Passion for Planting 01:26:26 The Origin Story of Passion for Planting 01:27:25 Interactive Q&A Session 01:28:01 The Importance of Church Planting 01:29:53 Challenges in Church Planting 01:31:19 National Studies on Church Planting 01:33:22 The Bell Curve of Church Life 01:35:19 Reproduction vs. Addition in Church Growth 01:45:05 Overcoming Fear in Church Planting 01:50:36 The Role of Collaboration in Church Planting 01:53:35 Six Distinctives of Renew Movement 02:08:58 Final Thoughts and Q&A Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker   Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr The episode titled "RENEW Movement 1" presents a detailed discourse on various aspects of church planting, particularly through the lens of the Renew Movement. The session begins with an informal group interaction, setting a relaxed yet engaging environment for the participants. Todd Wilson, the main facilitator, invites all to share their names, locations, and their interest or involvement in church planting. The participants hail from different regions and backgrounds, bringing diverse perspectives to the discussion.   Todd Wilson introduces himself as someone who transitioned from the marketplace to ministry over 20 years ago. He mentions his association with New Life Christian Church and his involvement with Exponential, a significant church planting initiative. Wilson, along with other leaders like Patrick Bradley and Paul, emphasizes the collaborative nature of the Renew Movement, highlighting their aims to foster disciple-making and church planting initiatives.   Wilson outlines two major national studies that illustrate current challenges in the U.S. church planting landscape: less than 5% of U.S. churches have a disciple-making culture, and less than 7% are actively planting new churches. These statistics underscore a significant disciple-making and reproduction problem within American churches. This orientation sets the stage for discussing solutions and best practices in church planting.   A noteworthy part of the session explores the normative measures of success within the church context. Wilson emphasizes that while adding members (level 3) is common and celebrated, true success entails reproduction (level 4) and multiplication (level 5). He argues that the focus should be on churches reproducing themselves, akin to the natural life cycle where reproduction ensures continuity and growth. However, he points out that current data shows only a small percentage of churches actually engage in these higher levels of multiplication, emphasizing the need for more robust disciple-making cultures within churches.   One significant barrier to church planting identified by Wilson is fear—namely, fears related to resources and expertise. Churches often hesitate to plant new congregations due to concerns over insufficient financial and human resources. Brett Andrews echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of overcoming these fears through a deeper trust in God’s provision and the practice of risk-taking in faith.   The session also touches on practical aspects, offering six key distinctives that the Renew Movement adheres to, which can serve as a guideline for other churches or networks looking to engage in church planting:   **Theologically Grounded:** The importance of a clear theological foundation and faith statement to maintain accountability and doctrinal integrity. **Disciple-Making Focus:** A commitment to fostering a disciple-making culture from the outset of a new church. **Reproduction:** The expectation for new churches to engage in reproduction from day one, planting 'pregnant' with the mission to multiply. **Healthy Support Systems:** Providing new churches with robust support including coaching, training, residency programs, and project management tools. **Accountability:** Ensuring that new churches have temporary elder boards or management teams to guide them initially. **Collaboration:** Encouraging churches to work together in planting efforts, pooling resources and expertise to overcome individual limitations.   The session further emphasizes the concept of planting collaboratively. By doing so, churches can pool their resources and experience, thereby mitigating the individual limitations concerning expertise and funding. Collaboratives like the Renew Movement focus on creating a supportive network where newer or smaller churches can engage in planting efforts alongside more experienced ones.   Moreover, practical pathways for involvement are discussed. The Renew Movement offers initiatives like the Multipliers Journey and the MOS (Multiplication Operating System) cohort, tailored programs aimed at equipping existing churches and new planters with customized church planting plans and disciple-making strategies. These cohorts provide structured support, from initial training to ongoing coaching, fostering a hands-on approach to planting new churches.   The session concludes with an affirmation of the urgency and necessity of church planting as a strategic mission. Wilson and Andrews encourage participants to discern specific actionable steps they can take to engage in church planting endeavors. The overarching message is clear: churches need to move beyond addition and strive for reproduction and multiplication to ensure the continuity and health of their congregations.   In summary, the "RENEW Movement 1" episode is a rich dialogue revolving around the pressing need for disciple-making and church planting within the American church landscape. The conversation, led by experienced ministry leaders, provides insightful strategies, addresses common fears, and presents practical solutions for engaging in collaborative church planting efforts. Through this comprehensive approach, the Renew Movement aims to cultivate a robust disciple-making culture and encourage a substantial increase in church planting activities nationwide. Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/    Today’s episode will help us understand the process and importance of effective discipleship and ministry within the church community.   Mastering Intentional Discipleship: Insights and Strategies for Church Leaders   Join us as we dive into the journey of intentional discipleship, featuring Ashlee's personal experiences and practical advice. Discover the growth of her family's church, the dynamics of their two-on-one discipling model, and the importance of creating a culture of discipleship at all levels. Learn about managing small group discipleship, the challenges of splitting established groups, and strategies for training new leaders. This episode offers valuable insights into connecting, mentoring, and continuously supporting new believers, complete with personal anecdotes and practical tips for integrating discipleship into everyday life.   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup 00:24 Unexpected Room Host 01:13 Casual Conversations and Introductions 02:42 Personal Journey and Ministry Background 04:30 Challenges and Overcoming Adversity 06:19 Discipleship and Ministry Philosophy 09:21 Connecting with People 12:03 Intentional Outreach and Community Events 16:40 Two-on-One Discipling Model 23:27 Bible Studies and Spiritual Growth 42:13 Balancing Personal Life and Discipleship 42:25 Intentional Mentoring and Relationship Building 42:59 Church Unity Through Shared Reading 43:52 Weekly Group Activities and Their Impact 45:03 Connecting Disciples to Service and Ministry 53:52 Handling Group Dynamics and Multiplication 01:00:28 One-on-One Discipleship and Personal Growth 01:03:47 Q&A Session and Practical Advice 01:05:28 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts   Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker   Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr This episode features a detailed, conversational discussion led by a speaker named Ashlee, who has extensive experience in ministry, particularly in youth and discipleship work. The script presents a narrative-style engagement with an audience, involving multiple segments, including shared personal stories, explanations of ministry practices, and interactive question-and-answer periods.   The episode begins with a casual, almost chaotic introductory scene, as Ashlee and participants settle into the environment, which could be a seminar or a workshop. Ashlee humorously acknowledges the informal start, mentioning mishaps and sharing light-hearted exchanges with attendees. This laid-back, relatable opening sets the tone, making the audience feel comfortable and engaged.   Ashlee dives into her background, sharing her journey in ministry, which began when she was two years old as her parents started a church. She describes how she grew up in this environment, eventually moving to St. Charles County with her husband to establish their first church plant. Ashlee emphasizes her lengthy experience in youth ministry, discussing her personal and professional background, including raising her own children and adopting another.   The episode's core focuses on discipleship and outreach. Ashlee shares practical insights and strategies for engaging with different demographics, from young children to adults. She details her approach to building and sustaining meaningful relationships with community members, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for connection. This involves being intentional about interactions, whether at work, school, or in casual settings like sports events or coffee shops.   Ashlee emphasizes the concept of intentional discipleship, where every interaction is viewed as an opportunity to connect people with Christ. She discusses using various methods to nurture these connections, including creating events that draw people into the church community, like "Rock the Block" or "Spooktacular" events. She also mentions practical tools such as cook-offs or tech classes for seniors to create more engagement points.   A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to explaining the structured studies Ashlee's ministry uses to teach new believers. She outlines a multi-step discipleship process, starting with a "Seeking God" study to communicate God's desire for a personal relationship with individuals. This leads into a "Word" study, emphasizing the reliability and authority of the Bible. They then proceed to studies on "Sin and the Cross," explaining the nature and consequences of sin and the significance of Christ's sacrifice.   Ashlee introduces the concept of a two-on-one discipleship model used in her church. This method involves pairing two mentors with one new believer to ensure thorough teaching and relational support. She explains how this method helps train new disciples while providing them with immediate relational connections within the church. This dual focus on teaching and relationship-building is presented as a key to successful discipleship, ensuring that new believers have the support and guidance they need to grow in their faith.   The script transitions to a part where Ashlee elaborates on the cultural challenges of her generation and how many young people drift away from faith due to a lack of discipleship and direction. She stresses the difference between simply attending church and truly embodying discipleship, which requires understanding and living out the mission of God.   In answering questions from the audience, Ashlee provides insights into managing small groups, the challenges of splitting groups to maintain effective discipleship, and the importance of relational connections. She shares practical examples of how her ministry runs small groups and the different activities they employ to ensure ongoing engagement and growth among members.   The closing part of the episode includes a prayer session, reinforcing the spiritual focus of the discussion. Despite technical issues and personal anecdotes that add a genuine, relatable layer to her presentation, Ashlee consistently brings the conversation back to the central theme of intentional discipleship and the practical ways her ministry implements this.   Overall, this episode is a comprehensive guide on practical discipleship and relational ministry. It offers valuable insights and actionable strategies for anyone involved in church leadership or interested in improving their approach to building and nurturing faith communities. Through storytelling, detailed examples, and interactive dialogue, Ashlee paints a vivid picture of a dynamic and effective ministry focused on creating passionate followers of Christ.   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/    Effective Discipleship: Strategies and Frameworks   Today’s episode will help us learn about discipleship, identity formation, and integrating spiritual principles into daily life to foster personal transformation and community growth. In this video, Renee Sprouls shares her insights on effective discipleship, particularly focusing on discipling women. The discussion includes practical methods and spiritual practices to equip and support individuals in their faith journey. Key topics include understanding the right and left brain approaches, the Fish M. framework, and the importance of heart-focused community. Renee also highlights the necessity of spiritual healing, identity work, and walking in the Spirit, providing personal anecdotes and experiences to illustrate these points.   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Getting Started: Turning On and Off 00:48 Spills and Small Talk 02:40 Technical Troubles and Personal Updates 06:28 Morning Greetings and Introductions 07:49 Discipling Women: Initial Thoughts 11:05 Understanding Right Brain Attachment 14:44 Stories of Women in Discipleship 18:31 The Clogged Well: A Metaphor for Discipleship 21:19 Framework for Discipling Women 38:47 The Importance of Heart-Focused Community 39:21 Understanding Identity and Mission 40:59 Practical Discipleship Practices 46:13 The Power of Spiritual Biographies 50:14 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement 55:59 Addressing Group Dynamics and Challenges   Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker   Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr The episode begins with an introductory segment where the speaker, Renee Sprouls from Renew.org, is setting up and dealing with some technical details. She then engages in a friendly and relaxed conversation with the attendees, setting a casual atmosphere. Renee addresses the group, appreciating their attendance at an early morning session and introduces herself, explaining her affiliation with Renew.org. She discusses the resources available through Renew.org, such as newsletters, free ebooks, and other valuable materials for church planting and discipleship. She encourages the attendees to join the mailing list for more information and emphasizes the variety of resources available. The central focus of the session is on discipling women. Renee starts with a prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit's guidance and blessings for the session. The prayer acknowledges the importance of spiritual rejuvenation, gratitude for God’s gifts, and a commitment to love and steward those gifts well. To gauge the audience's current feelings about discipling women, Renee conducts an interactive session where she asks attendees to rate their preparedness on a scale of one to ten. Some rate themselves as a six, citing a general understanding but a sense of unpreparedness in some critical areas. This leads to a discussion about real-life challenges and feelings associated with discipling women and how to overcome them. Renee shares personal stories of women she has discipled, detailing their varied backgrounds and unique challenges. These stories include women dealing with broken relationships, adoption struggles, fears of motherhood, and overcoming past traumas. Each story illustrates different aspects of discipleship and the various ways women might struggle, feel inadequate, or carry wounds from their past. The session then transitions into exploring a conceptual framework for discipleship called "Fish M." This framework comprises several key elements: **Freedom**: This aspect involves clearing out internal 'junk' that clogs our spiritual well-being, akin to the metaphor of cleaning a literal well filled with garbage. The emphasis is on the need for freedom from spiritual strongholds and deliverance from evil forces that hinder spiritual growth. **Identity**: Renee explains the concept of right brain attachment versus left brain narrative. She underscores the importance of forming strong, healthy attachments and understanding one's identity in Christ. Misbeliefs like imposter syndrome or feelings of inadequacy often stem from deeper identity issues that need spiritual healing and right brain reattachment. **Spirit**: Emphasizing a vital connection with the Holy Spirit, the analogy here is that of a car needing gasoline or a battery. This point underscores that our spiritual life and fruitfulness depend on being deeply rooted in and empowered by the Holy Spirit. **Heart-focused Community**: Effective discipleship requires community, integrity, and mutual encouragement. Heart-focused community refers to creating an environment where people journey together with honesty and transparency. **Mission**: Once established in the first four areas, individuals are better prepared to serve others. Discipleship then extends to serving and helping others grow in their faith. Renee also lays out practical ways to implement this framework, including: - **Praying and Fasting** to seek God's guidance in forming discipleship groups. - **Serving and Eating** together to build community. - **Taking Sabbaths and Studying** together for rest and spiritual growth. She also mentions the role of spiritual biographies in building deep connections within the group. A spiritual biography involves creating a timeline of significant life events and reflecting on how God has worked through those experiences. This practice helps group members to understand each other better and fosters a supportive environment. Issues concerning group dynamics are also discussed. For example, handling dominating group members involves addressing the issue   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Tina Wilson, a dynamic speaker dedicated to empowering women through faith, shares innovative methods for discipling women via deep Bible study. She discusses the transformational power of scripture, outlining techniques like 'Step Into Scripture' to enrich personal and community faith. Wilson emphasizes the importance of authenticity in spiritual journeys and provides effective strategies for leading impactful women's Bible studies. Her insights inspire listeners to foster resilience and genuine connections through intentional, structured theological engagement.

Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/    Intentional Christian Grandparenting: Overcoming Barriers and Building Relationships   Today's episode will help us understand how to be intentional Christian grandparents, using practical tips and biblical principles to overcome common barriers and leave a lasting spiritual legacy.   In this session, we explore the significance of intentional Christian grandparenting, emphasizing the need for grandparents to be involved in the spiritual lives of their grandchildren. The speaker discusses the challenges faced by grandparents, such as geographical and relational distances, and offers practical solutions to overcome these barriers. Highlighting biblical principles from Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 71:18, the session encourages grandparents to forge strong, faith-driven relationships with their grandchildren. Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, the speaker underscores the importance of being a forgiving, intentional, and proactive grandparent, aiming to leave a lasting spiritual legacy.   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction to the Compass Illustration 06:00 The Importance of Biblical Grandparenting 12:39 Overcoming Grandparenting Barriers 19:05 Practical Tips for Geographical Distance 20:19 Building Relationships with Grandchildren 31:56 Creating Memories and Special Events 35:24 Responding to Relational and Spiritual Distance 35:53 Reflecting on Past Mistakes and Moving Forward 37:49 The Power of Humble Admission and Forgiveness 39:57 Reconciliation Steps and Biblical Guidance 42:53 Initiating Reconciliation with Adult Children 56:03 The Importance of Forgiveness in Relationships 01:02:40 Intentional Christian Grandparenting 01:06:33 Closing Remarks and Personal Stories   Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this episode of "Legacy Coalition 4," the speaker offers a practical guide on intentional Christian grandparenting. He starts with a story about using a compass to illustrate the unchanging word of God, setting the stage for discussing the vital role grandparents play in their grandchildren's spiritual growth.   Highlighting the lack of church ministries for grandparents, he shares how a sermon on Deuteronomy 4:9 transformed his understanding and led him to advocate for this cause. He recounts his journey from a music-focused career to pastoral care, despite losing his hearing, and discusses Bible verses like Psalms 71:18 and 103 that emphasize the blessings of grandparenting.   The speaker addresses common barriers to grandparenting, such as geographical distance, and suggests using technology like FaceTime and BeReal to stay connected. For relational distance caused by strained family relationships, he advises forgiveness, humility, and practical reconciliation steps. To tackle spiritual distance, he recommends patience and respect for parental boundaries while finding ways to influence grandchildren spiritually.   He offers practical tips like organizing family reunions and Cousin's Camps to create bonding opportunities. Emphasizing the benefits of forgiveness, he provides reflective questions and steps for reconciliation, sharing personal anecdotes and biblical principles to underscore its importance.   The session concludes with Larry Fowler's concept of "intentional Christian grandparenting," guiding grandchildren with grace, respecting parental roles, and exemplifying a Christ-centered life. The open Q&A allows participants to share experiences and seek further advice.   This episode highlights that intentional Christian grandparenting is about living a Christ-centered life and leaving a spiritual legacy, playing a crucial role in nurturing a vibrant faith in the next generation.   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/    Today's episode will help us understand the crucial, biblically endorsed role of grandparents in their grandchildren's spiritual formation, offering practical tips and insights to nurture their faith amidst a challenging cultural landscape.   The Vital Role of Grandparents in a Changing Culture: A Guide to Intentional Christian Grandparenting   In this episode, pastor George Postumus discusses the significant role of grandparents in the spiritual development of their grandchildren. He emphasizes the lack of focus on the third generation in churches and the importance of grandparents being actively involved in their grandchildren's lives. George highlights the biblical foundation in Deuteronomy 4:9, which calls grandparents to teach both their children and grandchildren. Sharing personal stories and practical advice, he underscores the necessity of establishing strong relationships and guiding grandchildren with love and truth. He also tackles the challenges posed by the modern, rapidly changing culture and urges grandparents to be intentional in their role. The session concludes with an encouragement to seek deeper involvement and offers resources for overcoming common grandparenting barriers.   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Initial Instructions 00:59 Casual Conversations and Greetings 10:11 Session Begins: Speaker Introduction 12:27 The Role of Grandparents in the Church 13:00 Biblical Foundations for Grandparenting 19:44 Navigating Cultural Challenges 27:30 The Importance of Absolute Truth 32:08 Using a Compass as a Metaphor for Truth 36:46 The Crisis of Faith Among Youth 37:07 The Role of Grandparents in Faith Formation 38:19 The Importance of Truth in Christian Life 41:14 Cultural Challenges and Biblical Responses 43:53 Timeless Truths for Right Living 47:05 Building Strong Relationships with Grandchildren 53:35 Launching a Grandparenting Ministry in Churches 56:16 Practical Tips and Resources for Grandparents 01:00:37 Q&A and Concluding Thoughts Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this episode, George Postumus, a former pastor with 39 years of experience, shares his insights on Christian grandparenting. Drawing from his own journey and biblical teachings, he emphasizes the significant role grandparents play in their grandchildren's spiritual upbringing. George begins by addressing the misconception that grandparents are merely spectators in their grandchildren's lives. Instead, he points to Deuteronomy 4:9, which calls for their active involvement in passing down the teachings of the Lord. Despite losing his hearing due to a disease, George continues to serve in the Legacy Coalition, encouraging grandparents to be spiritually active in their grandchildren's lives. He highlights the cultural challenges today’s grandchildren face and stresses the importance of "speaking the truth in love," as mentioned in Ephesians 4. In a world moving towards moral decay, he believes grandparents must be a voice of biblical truth. To help grandparents fulfill this role, George offers practical steps: Build strong relationships with their grandchildren. Emphasize the unchanging nature of biblical truth. Use symbols like compasses to represent the steadfast word of God. Encourage right thinking and actions. He uses metaphors, comparing God’s word to a compass that always points north, to illustrate these points. George also advises grandparents to avoid disciplining like parents but instead to be full of grace and truth, much like Jesus. George addresses the alarming trend of 60-70% of young people from Christian homes leaving their faith by the end of high school. He suggests that intentional Christian grandparenting can help counter this trend by reinforcing the biblical foundation taught by their parents. The seminar includes practical advice like scheduling one-on-one time and using meal times for spiritual discussions. George also recommends resources like the "Levitical Blessing" from Numbers 6:24-26 to impart spiritual blessings. In summary, the seminar underscores the vital, biblically endorsed role of grandparents in their grandchildren's spiritual formation. By being intentional, loving, and truth-filled, grandparents can offer essential guidance and support, helping to nurture their grandchildren’s faith amidst a challenging cultural landscape. George’s personal experiences and practical tips provide a rich framework for grandparents to embrace this ongoing, impactful mission in the kingdom of God.   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/  “Today’s episode will help us actively engage in our grandchildren’s spiritual growth with practical strategies and biblical insights on being intentional, grace-filled Christian grandparents.” Intentional Grandparenting: Equipping Grandparents with Legacy Coalition   In this comprehensive seminar, a seasoned pastor and grandparent passionately discusses the crucial role of grandparents in the spiritual growth and mentorship of their grandchildren. Starting with the foundational concepts from Deuteronomy 4:9, the session emphasizes the importance of intentional grandparenting and offers practical advice on building strong, positive relationships with grandchildren. The speaker encourages grandparents to transition from a role of control to one of influence and highlights the significance of using positive affirmations, sharing personal testimonies, and spending quality one-on-one time with grandchildren. Additionally, resources, such as children's books and structured activities like Cousin's Camp, are suggested to help reinforce these relationships. The seminar also addresses challenging family dynamics and provides strategies for navigating broken relationships with adult children. The session concludes with a discussion on the available resources and the importance of integrating grandparenting ministries into churches. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Setup 01:13 Welcoming the Participants 07:50 Grandparenting Foundations 08:54 Personal Background and Ministry 10:15 The Importance of Deuteronomy 4:9 12:32 The Role of Grandparents 14:53 Building Relationships with Grandchildren 30:25 Practical Tips and Blessings 38:14 Expressing What's Most Important 38:37 Introducing a Special Book 39:38 Reading 'Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know' 43:18 Positive Affirmation and Intentional Grandparenting 46:56 The Control Influence Principle 50:15 Repairing Broken Relationships 55:41 Practical Activities for Grandparents 01:03:47 Resources and Support for Grandparents 01:06:52 Launching Grandparenting Ministries in Churches Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this episode, "Legacy Coalition 2," the focus is on how grandparents can actively and intentionally engage in their grandchildren’s spiritual growth. It starts with a brief setup and a warm welcome from the speaker, who introduces the seminar's theme. The core message is about the unique and proactive role grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives, supported by biblical references like Deuteronomy 4:9. Grandparents are encouraged to move beyond being passive figures and instead actively engage in teaching, sharing personal testimonies, and living out their faith. The speaker, along with his wife Linda, shares personal stories and practical methods, including using the Levitical blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 to positively impact grandchildren. They emphasize that while parents set rules, grandparents should focus on guiding with grace and love, akin to the role of Jesus in the Bible. Practical tips include spending one-on-one time with each grandchild, sharing personal stories, using mealtimes for deep conversations, creating special memories, and using "Let's Talk" cards for meaningful dialogue. The episode also addresses challenges, such as dealing with rebellious grandchildren and maintaining healthy relationships with adult children, stressing the importance of avoiding criticism and fostering reconciliation. For those interested in expanding these principles into their churches, resources like the “Grandparenting Matters” seminar are recommended. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that while there’s no guaranteed formula for ensuring grandchildren's salvation, consistent prayer, genuine faith, and loving engagement are key. In summary, the episode provides a comprehensive guide for grandparents, combining biblical foundations, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies for impactful, intentional Christian grandparenting.   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/    “Today’s episode will help us understand the crucial, biblically mandated role of grandparents in nurturing their grandchildren's Christian faith and provide practical strategies for active spiritual engagement.”   The Role of Grandparents in Christian Discipleship | Featuring George Postumus   George Postumus, a pastor with 39 years of experience and a staff member of Legacy Coalition, discusses the vital role of grandparents in Christian discipleship. Addressing a room of grandparents, Postumus emphasizes that the Bible commands Christians to teach both their children and grandchildren. He shares personal experiences, Scripture references, particularly Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 78, and offers practical advice on intentional Christian grandparenting. Throughout the video, George addresses common misconceptions and cultural barriers, urging grandparents to actively share their faith with their grandchildren. The session includes prayers, personal anecdotes, and an invitation to integrate this ministry into church life.   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup 00:07 Counting Grandchildren and Ministry Introduction 01:01 Opening Prayer and Speaker Introduction 01:47 Personal Background and Ministry Importance 03:57 Family Introduction and Long-Distance Grandparenting 05:51 Biblical Perspective on Grandparenting 07:15 Discovering the Role of Christian Grandparents 11:27 The Importance of Passing Down Faith 16:03 Challenges and Strategies in Grandparenting 25:28 Generational Decline and the Role of the Church 31:28 The Rise of Grandparenting Ministry 32:03 The Biblical Mandate for Grandparents 33:14 Preparing Grandkids for the Future 34:00 The Influence of Grandparents 34:40 Passing on Your Faith 36:04 Communicating Spiritual Joy 41:47 The Importance of the Soul 44:03 Types of Grandparents 47:46 Launching Grandparenting Ministries in Churches 58:22 Engaging with Grandkids Spiritually Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this episode, titled "Legacy Coalition 1," George Postumus discusses the vital role of grandparents in nurturing Christian faith within their families. He begins by sharing his personal story, including his struggle with hearing loss and use of an auditory brainstem implant, which affects his speaking style. The main focus of George's message is the biblical importance of grandparents as spiritual guides. He highlights the need for grandparents to intentionally embrace their role in their grandchildren's spiritual upbringing, referencing Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 78. He stresses that grandparenting is a crucial, scripturally mandated responsibility. George shares how his understanding of this role evolved after attending a conference led by Larry Fowler. He offers practical advice for grandparents, encouraging them to actively engage in their own spiritual health and in teaching their grandchildren. He refutes the cultural notion that grandparents should take a backseat in matters of faith. He emphasizes that grandparents should support parents and play an active, influential role in their grandchildren’s spiritual education. George provides practical tips such as having conversations about God, praying together, and sharing biblical stories. He highlights the ultimate goal of ensuring grandchildren's salvation and spiritual well-being. George concludes by offering resources and suggesting ways for churches to support grandparent-focused ministries, advocating for the integration of grandparents into church activities. His message is a powerful call for grandparents to embrace their significant influence and follow biblical guidance to support their family's faith journeys and impact future generations.   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Visit TCM: https://www.tcmi.org/    In this episode, David Roadcup, a professor of discipleship and spiritual formation at TCMI Institute, shares his experiences and insights on effective spiritual leadership. With over 30 years of experience and a focus on spiritual transformation, David discusses various elements crucial for fostering personal and communal spiritual growth. He touches on the importance of prayer, community, and the role of the Holy Spirit in achieving spiritual maturity. He also emphasizes the significance of having spiritually transformative practices within church staff and leadership, including consistent prayer meetings, retreats, and daily spiritual discipline. Tune in for a comprehensive guide on cultivating a spiritually enriching environment in your church.   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Setup 05:53 Introduction to David Roadcup and TCMI Institute 07:08 Challenges and Opportunities in Ministry 10:53 Workshop Introduction: Creating Spiritual Transformation 11:20 The Ultimate Goal of Church Leadership 13:10 Paul's Mission and Spiritual Maturity 20:18 Daily Commitment to Following Jesus 30:56 The Process of Spiritual Transformation 37:07 The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines 38:30 Recognizing Spiritual Transformation 40:21 Personal Testimony and Stewardship 43:21 Spiritual Growth in Church Leadership 47:35 Creating a Culture of Prayer and Content 53:25 The Value of Retreats and Fun Activities 58:14 Elder Selection and Unity 01:03:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr The episode starts with casual conversations before David Roadcup introduces himself as a professor at TCM Institute. He discusses TCM's significant reach, with 2,600 students from 55 countries, and the impact of their work, especially in Europe and Central Asia. He also touches on challenges like the war in Russia and Ukraine affecting student visas. David shares personal stories about his marriage, family, and career path, expressing joy in his role at TCM. Shifting to the core topic of spiritual transformation, David emphasizes that the primary goal of church leadership is to present spiritually mature individuals to Jesus Christ. He cites Colossians 1:28-29 and explains the Greek term "teleos," meaning complete or mature. David highlights that spiritual transformation starts with the Holy Spirit and is a lifelong process. He shares his own journey, emphasizing the importance of the Word of God, fellowship, obedience, ministry, and spiritual disciplines. David discusses practical applications, criticizing superficial benchmarks for church members and advocating for genuine heart-and-will surrender to God. He provides indicators of spiritual transformation, such as conversation topics, priorities, attitudes, and behavior. In the latter part of his lecture, David stresses the importance of spiritual growth among church leaders, sharing his consulting experiences and the need for unity. He suggests practices like prayer sessions, retreats, and continuous learning to foster spiritual growth. David concludes with a call to action for church leaders to focus on spiritual nourishment and unity, creating a supportive and growth-oriented culture within the church. The episode ends with personal interactions and endorsements of his talk, showing that attendees resonated with his message and sought further materials to implement in their contexts. In summary, David Roadcup offers a deeply theological and practical approach to spiritual transformation, emphasizing genuine, heart-centered growth for both individuals and church leaders.   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/